#happy birthday al-haitham :)

[waltyamart]

happy birthday haitham 🌱 !!

[harmonysanreads]

Happy Birthday...!

feat. vampire!alhaitham

cw(s) : two dorks being too adorable, smitten alhaitham

wc : 1.4k

Every so often, Alhaitham could be found in profound contemplation in the study of his imposing mansion. Books strewn about, some half open and some in piles beside his chair and utop his desk—though the material of his perusal remains hard to deduce.

An amateur mistake would entail that Alhaitham wasn't in deep thought at all, but in a slumber and that could be credible, if you were to disregard his species' characteristics altogether. Though Alhaitham assumes a relaxed position, his senses are never in the same state of inertia. His ears pick up on tip-toeing footsteps, the vibrations registering as familiar in his sharp mind. These playful tricks could fool any ordinary human, not a vampire capable of catching the pressure applied in those pattering sounds.

He knows it's you, can predict you have a surprise in your hands and can envision the playful smile that must undoubtedly be stretching across your lips. But he does not move an inch, does not give any indication that he's aware. Alhaitham is not known for frivolity and neither would he be inclined to encourage such behavior if this was anyone else. Perhaps every action of an intellectual appears to bear some motive to the audience, or simply the intention is interpreted.

Nevertheless, Alhaitham continues to act his part, giving all the reactions you expect. Appearing to be startled when your arms wrap around his neck but before he has the chance to respond, you swivel in front of him after pressing a chaste kiss under his jaw. Turquoise eyes widen, for that he didn't see coming. He can only thank that blood never rushes to coat his skin pink as you stand in all your giddiness before him and dear vampire lords, are you the brightest.

“Happy birthday!”

The vampire blinks, vacillating between your expectant expression and at the ‘gift’ you eagerly present to him.

Ah, so that's the occasion. Alhaitham has always thought that humans were a bit too passionate about celebrating the day they were born. Such customs are not performed among his kin, for a vampire's ‘birthday’ is just a bitter reminder of their eternal damnation. But, you don't know that. Tied to your mortal sentimentalities and well wishes ; he knows of your sole and innocent wish to make him happy.

So, he carefully takes the wrapped object in one hand and grasps your outstretched palm in the other, gently guiding you to his lap. His unbeating heart swells when you follow him without the slightest hesitation.

“Thank you, what is the gift?”

“No no, you aren't supposed to ask me that, Haitham! You have to open it yourself.”

You chide him with a raised finger and one of his brows quirks up. He's still not yet accustomed to every nuance of human behavior but, for you, he continues learning.

“Apologies, let me correct myself then.”

Alhaitham undoes the ribbon and wrapping paper, putting them aside to feel the coolness of the ceramic mug on his hand. Orange pupils squint to capture the details, turquoise painting and the words ‘best vampire’ boldly printed in black in the mug's body.

“Do you like it?” your hopeful tone snaps him out of his inspection. If this had been even fifty years ago, he wouldn't have stopped a confused frown from showing. Or, if the object had been handed by someone else, he wouldn't have considered it anything less than a joke.

“I...yes, I do like it. I wasn't aware that I was the ‘best vampire’ in your eyes. But then again, have you met other ones?” Alhaitham asks smoothly, feigning indifference to the sardonic prospect that you might have.

“Not at all! But you know the stories of vampires everyone tells, they're usually so scary, mean and selfish. You're none of those, you're intelligent, calm and have the softest heart—which is why, you're the best.”

Alhaitham appraises your confident answer with a humorful look, surely you must not think he's like this with everyone else? But, he doesn't correct you at all, feeling almost inebriated by your heartfelt words. It's also a bonus that his ego swells, he's still like any other man in some aspects.

“You know, I actually wanted to add a mosquito and bat sticker to the mug.”

That yanks Alhaitham out of his bliss.

“A.. mosquito?”

“Yes..? Aren't you essentially an overgrown mosquito? You know, both of you rely on blood to survive?” you question innocuously, shifting in his lap nonchalantly.

Alhaitham's jaw slackens, not knowing whether to be offended or amused. If this was inquired of any other vampire, you would not be able to get a second sentence out. But, he identifies this as a lack of knowledge and decides informing you would be best.

“That is a grave misconception. Because only female mosquitoes drink blood, during the time they bear eggs, more precisely.”

Your mouth forms an ‘o’ shape in understanding, quickly morphing to a sheepish expression. “I’m really sorry…”

Alhaitham waves it off, pausing when he remembers something, “You also mentioned a bat sticker, why?”

This time you look up at him in barely restrained excitement, “I've wanted to ask this for the longest time! You can transform into a bat, right?”

“No, I can't.” your shoulders slump slightly.

“Then.. will you turn to ash if you come into contact with sunlight?”

“While prolonged exposure to sunlight can kill a vampire, we've evolved to be able to withstand marginal exposition. It's not as deadly as the movies portray it.” your expression falls but he notices some semblances of relief. Huh, were you worried for him?

You try again, “W-well, will you die if you eat garlic?”

“Garlic makes me allergic. Its scent is pungent and irritating. Not much different than human allergies.”

This time, Alhaitham doesn't bother masking his amusement at your pout, “Was everything I've known about vampires a lie?”

One of the first traits Alhaitham had noticed about you was your curious nature and eagerness to learn new things. You'd always be on the lookout for an opportunity to ask him questions regarding his vampire roots in particular, preferably when you deemed he was in a good mood. Most of the time though, you opted to make your own observations. It seemed both of you were the most interesting creature on Teyvat in each other's eyes.

The vampire puts the ceramic mug aside on the table, leaning in to rest his forehead against yours. He tilts up your downcast face with a finger beneath your chin, “It's not your fault that human media portray vampires in that particular light and weave these stereotypes. You know only what you've been shown.”

Ashen locks tickle your skin, “You’re not mad at me..?”

“Not at all.” how could he ever be upset with you?

Alhaitham sighs in relief when your smile returns in full force, turquoise eyes slowly shift to your neck, the pulse there beating with the essence of your psyche. A frown marrs his impeccable features as a thought passes by his mind. Humans cherish every year of their lifespan due to the limitation of it. They're fragile, susceptible to the whims of time. But instead of lamenting their inevitable end, they choose to celebrate and foster the memories acquired within their short lives. He's not subjected to the same laws, the shadow of death will not fall upon him as a result of old age.

He'd pondered about this mortality but never worried about those subjected to it. However, as he feels the warmth of your body envelop his cold one and cradles this vessel of the purest soul he's encountered — he can't stop a bolt of paranoia from racing down his spine. What would he do if he could never hold you again like this?

His thoughts are interrupted when he feels your arms around his shoulders again, your warmth presses against him. For a moment, Alhaitham stays still and stunned, all his senses focusing on your proximity, your scent and the beating of your heart. You don't say anything more, letting all your reassurance seep through that sweet embrace. A canopy of serenity drapes over the vampire and he returns your hug to imbibe these feelings deep in his soul.

His hand brushes along your back a few times before coming to a halt, “[ Name ],”

“Yes?” your hum tickles the skin of his shoulder.

“Are you wearing my shirt?”

A beat of silence passes, Alhaitham was so caught up in the flurry of events that he completely missed the white shirt hanging loosely on your figure. Albeit, he's anything but irritated at this revelation, you could take his entire wardrobe and he'd thank you.

“Teehee~”

Alhaitham places a reverent kiss on your pulse, smiling as your mischievous giggle reaches his ear.

Just for this moment, he supposes he can forget the rules and restrictions of this wretched world and indulge in your presence.

[more vampire!alhaitham content]

[teamunee]

alhaitham 🤝 me

feb 11th born kaveh stans

[throwaway-yandere]

Imagine trying to avoid Yandere Enemy Spy!Al Haitham's detection as you lurk around his base.

Al Haitham, despite his tone lacking in emotion, decided to toy with you. There's no chance he'd let you leave scot-free. He already knows you're there; his voice was resonating around the hidden speakers. You're getting close to him, he'd give you that.

But just as you're about to reach his [personal space with all your belongings he kept pristine inside] bedroom...

[the-writer-arrived]

Lonely Birthdays No More

Synopsis: in alhaitham's opinion, birthdays are like any other days, ordinary. on this year's february 11th, alhaitham starts to think it's not so bad to treat one's birthday as a special date once in a while.

Character: alhaitham.

Warnings: gender neutral!reader; established relationship; fluff with no angst *gasps*, down bad haitham is the best haitham.

A/N: something sweet for my first hubby, love you my pookie <3

A/N 2: i'm sorry i promise this is the last time i repost this fic idk why it's been giving me such a headache 😭

Birthday celebrations were something Alhaitham never quite understood the appeal of. Why would you do all that work just to commemorate the day you were born? And why make only that day special? Wouldn't it be better if people used that excitement for something productive and avoid bringing trouble to others?

But alas, not everyone (or anyone in that matter) would share this particular opinion.

It's not a secret that Alhaitham isn't the most social butterfly in all of Sumeru. Even when he was a child, he didn't have any interest in partaking in some meaningless conversations with people he had no desire to interact with, going as far as prefering to stay at home with his grandmother and be self-taught.

Knowing that, it's not surprising that he has never celebrated his birthday with anyone other than his only family. And after his grandmother passed away, the date of his birth became just another ordinary one for him.

Others may consider it sad, but Alhaitham isn't bothered by it nor does he want other people's pity. He'd much rather pass the day in peace and quiet than having to deal with strangers saying happy birthday the whole day and disrupting his work. After all, that was one of his grandmother's wishes: for him to live a peaceful life.

This year, however, he will learn that having a less peaceful day isn't as bad as he believed.

----------

Alhaitham stands at the entrance of his living room, staring at his roommate with a deadpan look. It's far too early in the morning (in the grumpy scribe's opinion) for him to deal with the blond man's sudden desire to redecorate the place.

"What's the meaning of this mess this time, Kaveh?"

"Huh? Oh, you're up already?" The architect steps down the ladder after noticing the other man's presence, leaving to Mehrak to hang the other tip of the decoration on the wall.

"As you can see, I'm putting up the decorations for the party."

"Party? What party?" Alhaitham frowns and takes a proper look around the room. Many colorful adornments fill the space, creating a festive look that seems quite out of place when compared to the rest of the house, the big 'Happy Birthday Alhaitham' on the wall giving the answer he was looking for.

Oh, right. Today is february 11th, his birthday. Is that what all this is for? Kaveh was never one to do such a thing on years prior. No matter, he should put a stop to this before it gets more troublesome.

"Kaveh, I don't--"

"Before you say that you don't want it, I should inform you that this wasn't my idea, but rather of a certain someone's lover. Surely you're not heartless enough to ignore their wish to throw you a party? One which they have been planning for weeks, mind you."

Alhaitham purses his lips, whatever it is that he was about to say being thrown out of the window. He should have known, your behavior the last few days had been quite suspicious, always hurrying from one place to another, meeting many people. You had told him it was for a project, so he didn't think much of it.

He attempts to hide the smile that wishes to bloom in his lips with a sigh. Kaveh, on the other hand, doesn't make any effort to surpress his grin, finding amusing that his roommate folds so easily at the mere mention of you.

Of course, the scribe won't let him have his fun for too long.

"What I meant to say was that I don't think the decoration is nice enough for my tastes." He walks to one of the shelves to get a rather... peculiar ornament (one of many that his roommate tried to convince him to not buy it). "I believe this would be the final touch it needs."

"Are you kidding me?! No way! This thing would throw off the whole aesthetic!"

"Oh? Surely you're not heartless enough to ignore my wishes today of all days?"

This time, it is Kaveh's turn to fall silent. Using his own words against him, how childish can he be?!

With a glare, the architect snatches the ugly statue from Alhaitham's hand while the other leaves to the kitchen with a satisfied expression.

----------

For a house that has been considered a tad too big for two people to live in, now it seems a bit too small to host a total of seven people. Fortunately, the guests are too preoccupied having fun to be bothered by it.

Cyno has managed to snag Kaveh to his team for a two vs two round of Genius Invocation TCG, the opponent pair being Tighnari and Collei. Meanwhile, Dehya and Nilou watch the intense match from the sidelines, cheering and chatting about various things.

As for Alhaitham, he's much too busy thinking about the one person that hasn't arrived to the party yet. You're the one who planned all this, there's no way you have forgotten about it.

After noticing the scribe's restlessness (something he would deny, despite his shaky leg being a dead giveaway), Nilou told him that you were finishing something important, so that must be what it is keeping you. Still, it has been some time and even the dancer has begun worrying about your whereabouts. You're not one to be this late to an event you've been so excited about.

With one last glance to the clock, Alhaitham raises from his seat, determined to find you.

"I'll be right back."

Ignoring the offers of his friends to accompany him on his search, he goes straight to the door of his house... Only to find you about to open it with your own copy of his key, a nicely wrapped box in your other arm.

You two stare at each other for a few seconds, before he huffs a complaint.

"You're late." He crosses his arms to show you he's upset, but it only makes him look adorable in your eyes, his frown being more of a pout.

"Sorry to keep you waiting." You grin apologetically.

Alhaitham can only sigh in defeat as he brings you inside, this whole situation being a reminder of the strong influence you have over him.

The party was full of life, laughther and good food the whole time.

He received many gifts, even from the Dendro Archon herself, who apologized in her letter for not being able to attend the party but still wished to show her appreciation for all that he does for the Akademiya and Sumeru as a whole.

But, if he had to pick a favorite, it would be yours: a pair of Aranara statues, carved in wood, that resemble you and him. You explained to him that the reason of your tardiness was that you were finish painting them and, considering they would be a gift for him, you had to make it perfect, which made you lose track of time. Despite your efforts, however, the statues ended up looking a bit weird, much to your dismay. Alhaitham didn't mind at all, arguing that the imperfections were what made them perfect in his eyes, not to mention that it's a gift from you, his beloved, there should have been no doubt he would like them.

As the festivities come to an end and the last guest leave with one last 'happy birthday' to him, the scribe can finally relax. As punishment for arriving late, he said you are to stay over tonight, something you were more than happy to agree with.

He finds you in the kitchen, putting away the leftover food in the fridge and finishing cleaning up. He tried to convince you to leave the mess for tomorrow, but of course you wouldn't budge, claiming that it'd be worse for the tomorrow you. Besides, everyone helped cleaning before they left, so there wasn't much to do anyway.

Alhaitham wraps his arms around you from behind and your hand goes straight to his hair, caressing his silver locks so gently that almost makes the man purr. He only allows himself to be more touchy when it's just the two of you and there's no risk of Kaveh accidentaly interrupt the moment since he has already retired for the night, feeling quite tired from waking up quite early to decorate the house.

"Did you have fun today?" You ask, enjoying the warmth of your beloved hugging you.

"I'd give a 8 out of 10, a good score for your first time being a party organizer."

"Well, that was higher than I expected. Still, what made you deduct two points?"

He takes a moment to hum in thought.

"The location is one thing. While it was nice being in the comfort of my own house, having to deal with the clean up at the end was a bit of pain. But that only takes half a point."

"Then, what was so bad that it took me a whole point and a half?" You drop the hand from his hair to turn around to look at him with a frown.

"The fact that you made me worried."

After you arrived, Nilou and Dehya pulled you to the side while Alhaitham was distracted speaking with Collei, to tell you about how your lover had been anxious for your whereabouts. (At least, that's what they thought, not noticing the man glancing at your little group from time to time, having a good guess of what they were telling you).

"I'm sorry, Haitham..."

"It's fine, what matters is that you're okay." He takes one of your hands, observing the small cuts on the skin due to you making the wood carvings, before giving it a kiss. "Thanks for party, I had fun."

He speaks quietly, as if sharing a secret for your ears only. The warmth of his kiss and words travel all the way to your heart, feeling glad that you could make your boyfriend happy on his birthday. Even so, that doesn't stop your playful side to show up.

"I've heard that earnest thanks should be given thrice, so--hmph?!"

He interrupts your cheeky words with his lips, thightening his arms around as he feel you melt under his touch.

Today, Alhaitham has learned that birthday parties were noisy, messy and quite troublesome, but also quite fun. He thinks he won't mind having another next year, the year following that and so on, as long as he has the people he cares about by his side.

thanks for reading <3 likes, reblogs and comments are very appreciated <3

heart divider made by @/cafekitsune

pink alhatham banner (fluff) made by @/the-writer-arrived aka yours truly ;)

[birbleafs]

Work has been eating up my brain/energy and I didn't have time to finish up a proper fic for Al-Haitham's birthday. So have a silly meme for the lulz instead lol. Partly inspired by Liz's tweet about kvthm emotional v0re and absolutely, fully enabled by @frandulent. Joke is also based on this post and that one Kate Beaton comic. Happy birthday, Al-Haitham! :'')

[mrs-schoenheit]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SCRIBE !!

[scrambledcattos]

i forgot i had tumblr ngl but heres kaveh birthday art!!!! happy brithday kaveh!!!!! love u!!!!!!!!!!!

[lunlunalun]

happy birthday pookie hope you get some rest since carrying the entirety of the sumeru plotline must be exhausting. <3

[ccalxx]

Celebrating AlHaitham Day!

Warnings: Spoiler on Haitham's Bday Dialogue (Tweaked it a bit), Nicknames for s/o (my lil bookworm), Gender neutral reader, OOC Alhaitham sry ill prolly remake this

a/n: Happy Birthday to the one and only akademia scribe, AlHaitham 🌱! Posting my first fic on Haitham's bday! Hope you like it!

Prologue: You were living on Alhaitham's abode as well as Kaveh for a long period of time. He was basically one of your friends before becoming your s/o. You were one of those few people that can understand how Alhaitham mind works as well as know his past. You wanted to surprise Alhaitham on his birthday, one that isn't too grand, just for him to experience, since he's special to you.

------

Alhaitham woke up finding his house empty of bickering noise that usually wakes him up everyday. He went out to the kitchen, seeing pre-brewed coffee, plates with butter chicken and pita pockets, and a small mint green colored note that says "Good morning Alhaitham! It's your birthday is it not? Well happy Birthday! I know you don't celebrate your birthdays too grand so we I made you some butter chicken, pita pockets, and I even pre-brewed your favorite coffee! I apologize beforehand as something came up with Kaveh's project, and he asked for my assistance early in the damn morning, so I couldn't greet you when you woke up, nor I think we can't celebrate your birthday a little later. I really apologize, I'll make up to you really!" He read your note with a very small smirk in his face, although the smirk was washed away by a hint of sadness as he could not see your face early in the morning nor even spend time with you later. It is true that both of you were working on a project despite you being a Spantamad scholar and Kaveh as a Kshahrewar scholar. Alhaitham went on his original routine, after his morning coffee and ate the food that you made, he scurried to his office to see application forms piled up on his desk, after minutes of rejecting majority of the proposals, he went to the library to quietly read books.

You and Kaveh didn't actually do his near-due-project, both of you were preparing for a surprise for Alhaitham, since you knew that he hasn't experienced being surprised even when he was little. You knew that this was either a hit or miss situation, but you already decided that whatever Alhaitham might say, you wouldn't take it to heart. "Y/n? Y/n! Are you listening to me?" Kaveh shook you as clearly you weren't listening to him. "Sorry, I was deep in thought, what was it?" you gave Kaveh an apologetic look. "Ah! I was asking what food should we buy later, and the cake, the decor-" "Kaveh, I'm sure Alhaitham doesn't want a grand surprise, lets just make it simple? Simple decor like party streamers, and Alhaitham isn't really picky with food so we can probably make Lambad cook up some fish roll and ask some specialty from our friends, like Nilou, Cyno, Dehya, and Tighnari!" you cut Kaveh as you were walking down the Grand Bazaar "Right, Do you think they'd even agree to that? As that man clearly has no sense of emotion! Not even sense of style nor design! Did you see how he took off the magnificent piece of..." "Kaveh not right now....." Kaveh begins to rant how both of you were preparing for a guy that he clearly hates.

Alhaitham on the other hand, still is on the library, reading his usual range of books. His reading pace is quite slower than normal though. His mind is quite clouded today, as there are times that he thinks about you being unusually unavailable and he's probably thinking of increasing Kaveh's rent in the process. He shook his head, his irrational thoughts getting into him. He actually looks up to you a lot, and you actually gave him the key of feeling emotions, not that he'd give up rationality of course! It's not wrong to say that you made him feel emotions he's not used to feel. Alhaitham noticed that it's passed his office hours, so he packed up and made his way home.

While AlHaitham was spending his last minutes at the library, You and Kaveh were decorating his house; the place was quite tidy, party streamers were hung up, and a variation of food was across the table. You even manage to whip up some gifts from your friends.

Kaveh was on the watch, he saw Alhaitham coming home, he hurriedly sprinted towards the house signaling you "Y/N! He's coming!" he said as both of you hid behind the table.Alhaitham noticed Kaveh's stare from afar and he knew that something was up but he kept it to himself and let Kaveh do his thing.

When Alhaitham was on the doorstep, getting his keys, he could sense something was fishy. He turned the keys, opened the door, switched on the lights only to hear you and Kaveh yelling out "SURPRISE!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALHAITHAM!" For once, Alhaitham was stunned and speechless, however that quickly changed and went back into his usual cold demeanor. "Wouldn't it better to save your enthusiasm on my birthday, to everyday of your lives? In that case Kaveh wouldn't cram his architectural projects and you to wake up early every single morning" Alhaitham said, as a small smile crept his face. "HEY!!" "I sometimes wake up early, mind you!" You both shouted at Alhaitham.

All three of you were hanging out on the living room, talking and chatting how the day went. You noticed how Alhaitham was a bit more quiet than before so you decide to approach him.

"Hey? Everything alright, Haitham?" you questioned him while wearing a worrying look

"It seems so, what made you ask?"

"Well you're more quiet than usual..."

"Mhm? Nothing gets passed by you, doesn't it? Well to be frank, I just don't know how to respond in surprises like this, since I didn't really ask for it" Alhaitham bluntly says.

"Oh wait did we...did I upset you? Sorry I just really want you to experience being-" Alhaitham cupped your cheeks.

"Nonsense, my little bookworm, I just didn't expect you to surprise me, let alone have Kaveh to help you, I apologize if I didn't make myself clear enough" he continues to cup your cheeks and he gives a little peek at Kaveh before giving you an Eskimo kiss. You blush at the action he made and you remembered you still have one surprise left. "Haitham wait...I have something to show you" You led Alhaitham at the backdoor of his house, "I know this wouldn't really be that special to you since...." you opened the door, revealing a small picnic area under the starry skies. "I know... I know you're going to say that stars are just big chunk of rocks on the outer space, and the light reflects on them so you we can see them...but!! I really want to spend this time with you...for once! Under the beautiful night sky!" You gave him a look that's hopeful, he made a small smile, thinking you wouldn't notice and said "The night sky indeed does not appeal to me..." you frown "However... the light from the moon and the stars above illuminate how alluring you look" Your face becomes red as a tomato and Alhaitham slowly slithers his hand to your waist and gave you a forehead kiss. "S-stop! Since when do you talk like some Snezhnayan man!" you cover your face as Alhaitham chuckles.

Both of you were sitting on the picnic-like setting, you were sitting on Alhaitham's lap, his head on top of yours, and his arms around your waist "Thank you..." you heard Alhaitham murmur, "For what?" you looked up to him "For surprising me, I haven't really had any enthusiasm in birthdays since I do believe that enthusiasm is best used in everyday situations; however I acknowledge your efforts" "Oh my... Are you getting sappy? THE Alhaitham thanking me for the surprise?" you made a small smirk and he tackles you and tickles you making him on top of you.

He stopped tickling you and made a cold look "I'm being serious" he told you "I know" you said as you rubbed your nose onto his. He lift up your chin, getting ready to kiss you, and you close your eyes only to hear a slam of the back door, "Y/N I GOT IT I HAVE AN- Ewww are you two making out, like out in the open?! Haitham since when were you this bold-" Kaveh, currently semi-drunk, interrupted the moment he shouldn't have. "KAVEH!!" Both of you screamed, you throw something that was near your grasp and it hit Kaveh's head, making him unconscious (it was a Zaytun peach). "Oops, oh well!" you said while you suddenly kiss Alhaitham, who in exchange also melted in the kiss. Once you were both out of breath, you both suggested to continue this inside, as both of your hands linked with each other and leaving poor Kaveh outside to sleep.

Bonus (the next day):

"Ouch...my head hurts" Kaveh said as he was rubbing his temples. "Hey, Y/N...remind me why was I sleeping outside? And why was there a Zaytun Peach near me...." Kaveh asked you "Oh, I don't know! Maybe the peach fell on your head and knocked you unconscious" You explained to Kaveh while trying to hide your laughter. "Oh I see, thanks Y/N...wait... ZAYTUN PEACHES DOES NOT GROW ON TREES, Y/N COME BACK HERE, WHAT DID REALLY HAPPEN?" Kaveh chases you as you began running when he realized. Alhaitham came out of his room and saw the two of you running around, "It's too early for this..." he said as he turns around and close his room.

[mxprocrastinator]

I'M SLIGHTLY LATE BUT HAPPY BIRTHDAY FOR OUR FREEBLE SCHOLAR AND THE CURRENT ACTING GRAND SAGE OF THE AKADEMIYA

[indilaras]

Birthday treat for me is drawing the birthday boy <3

[teamunee]

Happy birthday twinsie I’m glad we r getting old together 🤝

[velociheroviridi]

Tighnari may have spent his birthday giving lectures but that doesn't mean his friends can't still wish him a happy birthday

yes I know I'm several days late we don't need to talk about that

[artsybee22]

Happy birthday to my dendro king 👑 🌱

I like him a healthy amount 🤭❤️

[birbleafs]

[fic] Stasis

Series: Genshin Impact Rating: T Characters/Pairing: Kavetham. Al-Haitham, Kaveh, Cyno and Tighnari. Also, very brief mentions of Al-Haitham’s grandmother and parents. Additional Tags: Canon Divergent, Mild Hurt/Comfort, Mild/Bittersweet Angst (but there's a happy ending I promise), essentially a what-if scenario with the Divine Knowledge capsules. Summary: Al-Haitham and Kaveh run into several anomalies, and are trapped in a cyclic stasis. A/N: I lied, I do have a short birthday ficlet lol. Inspired mostly by that one hauntingly gorgeous fanart on twitter. The idea wouldn't leave my brain for weeks, so I had to keysmash out some feels :'') Also, happy birthday to my favouritest weirdo cat, Al-Haitham ❤︎ Fic can also be read on AO3. _______

It’s the seventh time they have walked down this narrow path through the dimly-lit underpass. The seventh time they have passed by too-familiar faces, too-cherished voices; ghostly whispers and distorted laughter that creep closer at every turn, at every flicker between shadow and light. The ceramic tiles lining the walls of the underpass are a polished bone-white, void of any pixel or colour. The overhead lamps are humming with a persistently piercing drone that crawls down his spine, prickling glass shards beneath his skin. Nonetheless, Al-Haitham doesn’t cease from stepping in just as Kaveh reaches an arm out towards the beckoning silhouettes; never hesitates to prevent Kaveh from pursuing guilt and being ensnared by long-dead memories that only mimic fleeting shadows of happiness without the warmth, always dragging Kaveh away to safety, again and again and again… even if it means both of them remain trapped in a cyclic stasis, in this repetitious melancholy of despondency.

He may not have realised it yet— (He does; he always does) Or perhaps he can’t quite bring himself to steady the tremulous disquiet within his heart. To accept and acquiesce to reason, to the unfaltering truth— (He must; this… this isn’t like him at all!) Al-Haitham trudges on, his brow creased into a barely imperceptible frown as he tightens his hold around Kaveh; presses his fingers against the pulse thrumming brightly along Kaveh’s left wrist. He’s not letting go of Kaveh again (Al-Haitham's already lost him once before; already lost Teyta… lost far too many too soon, these little pieces of his own, of home). He can’t, he won’t… “—isten, Al-Haitham! Haitham!” Kaveh’s troubled voice startles him then, breaking through the fog of nebulous thoughts, the rising surge of emotion and memories. He flicks a furtive gaze over his shoulder, head angled in confusion. Kaveh is heaving, inhaling deep breaths as though he had been running miles within the labyrinthine twist of tunnels, even though Al-Haitham is certain they had only walked less than thirty paces ahead on this one straight path. “I’m sorry, Haitham,” Kaveh says as he lifts his head; meets Al-Haitham’s perplexed teal gaze with a wry and near-despondent smile. “But I have to save you too.” The knife is already buried deep within his chest, the bitter surprise only a lingering aftertaste when Kaveh closes the distance between them in a whirl of crimson, gold and blue. “Kaveh…?” Al-Haitham chokes at the wrenching pain, unresisting as Kaveh pulls him into a stifling embrace. His vision is already flickering with dark spots, pain searing beneath his skin when Kaveh drives the sharp blade further into his flesh. Blood trails bright and crimson beneath the jewelled piercing in Al-Haitham’s chest and he relents completely, giving into the darkness.

※

When he blinks awake once more, Kaveh is brushing grime and the smudged kohl from the corner of his eyes, trembling but warm hands still cupping at his face. “We’ve confiscated all the lost Capsules and shut them off. That should've severed the link completely. There might still be some residuals, but there shouldn’t be any serious effects remaining from these forgeries.” The… General Mahamatra’s voice drifts from somewhere behind Kaveh. Another figure glances over him briefly, long furry ears twitching in concern—someone that Al-Haitham thinks he should recognise easily but he can’t quite sieve the exact name from the dregs of this mental fog. “His heart rate is a little elevated, but his breathing looks to be normal. We should still get him checked at the Bimarstan, however, just as a precaution. But it’s all right, Kaveh; he should be relatively fine.” “Kaveh,” Al-Haitham says hoarsely, when the mist gradually recedes from his mind and he finally remembers. He presses Kaveh’s trembling left hand closer against his cheek, and exhales a slow, deep sigh. “You fool.” Kaveh’s voice is low and strained, raw with the conflicting meld of emotions, even if he doesn't recoil from Al-Haitham’s touch; doesn’t release his hold. His fingers curl tight into the dishevelled strands of Al-Haitham’s matted hair, drawing Al-Haitham close to his chest once more. “You arrogant, reckless fool. It could have been worse. You could have been trapped in a coma, your mind broken forever… You could have died, Haitham, and I would have lost yo—! I—Ugh—Don’t you ever go off without me again!” For once, he doesn’t refute Kaveh’s flurry of accusations; doesn’t brush away the stray tears that drip from Kaveh’s crumbling expression to his forehead as the clouds of worry and apprehension finally burst and solace washes over both of them. “Thank you,” Al-Haitham huffs a soft, ragged laugh instead as he returns the embrace, grounding himself once more in the warmth of Kaveh’s hold. “For coming back for me. For saving me.” —End— _______ End Notes:

- Teyta/Teta [ تِيتا ] = Arabic for "grandmother". The formal way of addressing your grandmother in standard Arabic is jaddah [ جَدَّ ] but there are many variations depending on the region and dialect used. Also iirc, teyta is informal and commonly used by children. I like the headcanon that Al-Haitham likely still addresses Grandma (in his head anyway) the way he did as a child.

- I had actually planned to write and post a longer AU oneshot for Al-Haitham's birthday. But work has been eating my brain/energy and keeping me too busy, so I've decided to let this other WIP percolate and simmer a little longer. Hopefully it'll be ready for posting by Kaveh's birthday? Then they can both share a birthday gift fic - they’re already joined at the hip anyway lol.

- When I wrote this short fic, I didn't know anything about The Exit 8 game and have only seen different fanart versions of the redraw meme. So I wrote this from the perspective of Al-Haitham not being aware that his mind was slowly being corrupted by (seemingly) forged Divine Knowledge capsules which turned out to have residuals of Forbidden Knowledge. And of course, the plot-twist of him being saved by Kaveh instead (you save the ones you care for and are saved in return)...

- Sorry but also not sorry lol about the (literal) knife of feels to the heart :") Something something, the symbolism of Kaveh being the one to sever the grasps of Forbidden Knowledge from completely overwhelming and breaking Al-Haitham's mind. Yeah.

- Comments are always lovely; if you've enjoyed this, I'd love to hear what you think. Thank you for reading!